Some campsites to close at Chickasaw National Recreation Area during tree removal project
Some news that will affect those who want to camp at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area…
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The Point Campground in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is currently undergoing a tree removal project. One loop of campsites may be closed at a time due to contractors working within the area.
Park Superintendent Bruce Noble asks that park visitors consider the following guidelines for their safety during the completion of this work:
• Remain clear of the contractor work area to ensure your safety.
• Access to the comfort station during work hours will be by foot traffic only via designated foot paths and roadway.
• Campers are advised to stay out of areas beyond the posted road closed signs.
• Please do not remove any flagging applied to trees within the campground. Flagged trees represent trees that will not be removed.
• Dangers associated with this work may include: falling trees, flying debris (wood chipper operation), hanging limbs, sharp sticks and heavy truck traffic.
• First-come, first-served utility camping sites will be very limited until the completion of this project in June.
This work is part of the Point Wildland Urban Interface Thinning Project which will thin red cedar and juniper trees in about 925 acres along the north boundary of the Lake of the Arbuckles. This fall, after the thinning work is done, prescribed fire will be used to reduce the wildfire threat. The park is mechanically thinning eastern red cedar and Ashe juniper in two portions of the park to reduce wildfire risk and maintain a more balanced natural environment. Although eastern red cedar and Ashe juniper are native to Oklahoma, they are extremely invasive. The two tree species create a wildfire hazard, displace other species from the natural ecosystem, impair local air quality by producing allergens, and contribute to the general decline of the local water table.
Superintendent Noble said, “We recognize the inconvenience to campers. When completed, this work will greatly improve the camping experience at the Lake of the Arbuckles.”
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Bob Doucette
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